A clean, white smile speaks volumes. We all want to have whiter teeth, and new advances offer safe whitening options at home, and at the dentist’s office.
Methods of teeth whitening, professionally and at home, were first presented around 1989. Over the years, the medical and consumer health awareness communities have conducted studies to judge the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening methods. In general, these processes have received positive reports in regards to safety and effectiveness.
It’s important to consider several elements when considering teeth whitening processes. Remember the following points:
Concerns about the risks of bleaching agents have been raised in both medical and consumer communities. Some believe that these bleaching processes may cause certain cancers.
However, studies have demonstrated that the concentration of carbamide peroxide in teeth whitening does not cause any cancer in mouth tissue or gums. As a matter of fact, there is an agent in saliva that seems to offset the amount of peroxide given off by the teeth whitening agents.
Studies have been conducted to show whether or not bleaching agents will cause a tooth’s enamel to wear or become otherwise damaged. Medical experts have studied this area carefully and now claim that fruit juices and soft drinks cause more damage to tooth enamel than tooth whitening bleach.
Studies are underway to assess the affects of teeth whitening processes on nerve endings. These studies are still in the early stages, as the long-term effects are only present five to eight years after the whitening procedure. Despite concerns, checkups from five to eight years following tooth whitening have shown relatively little damage.
While it isn’t possible to have teeth whitening done if you have caps or crowns on your teeth it is possible to undergo the procedure if you have had simple fillings or root canal procedures. So far the dental histories have not shown any problems from this procedure, but studies are still in their infancy.
Even though the studies mentioned are valid and accurate, it is always best to consult with your dental health professional to decide your best course of action.
Every patient has a unique dental history, so what works for some people may not be the best choice for you. Even the most perfect smile isn’t worth posing risks to your health.